How to Ship Large Packages for Less in 2025

Shipping large packages can be costly, especially for businesses with high-volume delivery needs. But with some careful planning, using the right services, and leveraging technology, you can save significantly on shipping costs. In 2025, options range from using traditional carriers with optimized rates to leveraging route optimization tools that streamline delivery routes. Whether you're a small business owner or manage a high-demand delivery operation, finding affordable ways to ship large packages is key to maintaining a profitable bottom line.

‍

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Cost of Shipping Large Packages
2. Choosing the Right Carrier
3. Using Freight Shipping for Cost Efficiency
4. How Route Optimization Helps Reduce Shipping Costs
5. Packaging Tips to Minimize Shipping Costs
6. Comparing Ground vs. Air Shipping
7. Real-Life Example: Crisper Meal Kits’ Affordable Shipping Strategy
8. The Future of Affordable Shipping

‍

1. Understanding the Cost of Shipping Large Packages

Shipping large packages involves a mix of volume-based pricing, dimensional weight (DIM) considerations, and sometimes surcharges based on the item’s fragility or destination. Dimensional weight pricing is a method where carriers charge based on the package’s size in addition to its weight, as larger items take up more space regardless of weight.

This makes it important to carefully select packaging that minimizes dimensions while protecting the contents. An efficient packaging strategy can reduce the overall shipping cost, as minimizing package size can avoid higher DIM pricing.

‍

2. Choosing the Right Carrier

Choosing a cost-effective carrier for large packages often depends on the distance, weight, and urgency of your shipment. Here are a few widely used options:

• USPS: The USPS is often the least expensive for shorter distances or lighter large packages within the U.S., especially if delivery is not urgent. They offer flat-rate shipping options that can be ideal for non-perishable goods or bakery delivery.
• UPS and FedEx: These carriers offer better services for time-sensitive shipments. They also provide freight options that may be more economical for bulk deliveries or heavy packages, making them a good choice for logistics-heavy businesses like meal kit delivery.
• Regional Carriers: Many businesses overlook regional carriers, which can offer competitive rates for shorter distances or recurring delivery needs, ideal for local operations such as grocery delivery.

‍

3. Using Freight Shipping for Cost Efficiency

Freight shipping can offer considerable savings when transporting large packages or bulk goods over long distances. Freight consolidates multiple shipments, which lowers the per-package cost. It’s often the best choice for businesses shipping large volumes to central locations.

Freight Options

1. LTL (Less-Than-Truckload): Ideal for businesses that need to ship multiple large packages that don't fill an entire truck.
2. FTL (Full Truckload): This option is perfect for businesses needing high volume shipments to a single location, like seasonal flower delivery during peak demand.

‍

4. How Route Optimization Helps Reduce Shipping Costs

Route optimization is essential for businesses with high-volume deliveries. By using an algorithm to generate the most efficient routes, route optimization minimizes travel time and fuel consumption, which reduces costs.

EasyRoutes is a delivery solution that incorporates real-time tracking and route management, helping businesses streamline delivery and save on fuel and labor costs. The result? Greater efficiency that translates to lower shipping costs per package. EasyRoutes is particularly effective for businesses needing to navigate multiple deliveries daily, such as firewood delivery, where optimized routes help cover large delivery areas without inflating costs.

‍

5. Packaging Tips to Minimize Shipping Costs

Packaging choices can impact shipping costs significantly, particularly for large items. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Right-Sized Boxes: Using boxes that fit the item snugly reduces DIM weight and prevents extra charges for oversized packages.
• Lightweight Materials: Switching to lighter packaging materials, such as eco-friendly alternatives, can lower weight-based charges.
• Flat-Rate Options: Many carriers offer flat-rate shipping boxes, which can sometimes offer savings when sending larger items over short distances.

Effective packaging is critical for businesses like pet supply delivery, where customers expect items to arrive intact yet reasonably priced. By choosing appropriate packaging and exploring flat-rate options, businesses can prevent unnecessary DIM weight charges.

‍

6. Comparing Ground vs. Air Shipping

The choice between ground and air shipping greatly impacts costs. Here’s a quick look at how each works for large packages:

• Ground Shipping: Best for less urgent deliveries, especially across shorter distances. It’s generally more economical and ideal for businesses that can plan shipping ahead. Ground shipping is typically the best option for heavier and larger items, making it suitable for operations like coffee delivery where freshness timelines are less stringent.
• Air Shipping: This is a quicker but more expensive option, usually reserved for lightweight but large items that must arrive promptly. While it’s less common for large package delivery due to the cost, it can be effective for high-value items where customer expectations for fast delivery are paramount.

‍

7. Real-Life Example: Crisper Meal Kits’ Affordable Shipping Strategy

Crisper Meal Kits demonstrates a strategic approach to shipping large packages affordably. By combining optimized routes with freight solutions, they have lowered the cost of delivering bulky meal kits, even across longer distances. They achieve this by consolidating deliveries to specific areas and utilizing EasyRoutes for efficient route planning. As a result, Crisper Meal Kits has managed to offer affordable delivery without compromising on timing or freshness, essential for perishable products.

‍

8. The Future of Affordable Shipping

As businesses continue to search for cost-effective ways to deliver large packages, advancements in AI and route optimization will likely play a bigger role. Algorithms can already reduce shipping costs by adjusting routes in real-time, and as they become more sophisticated, delivery costs for large items are expected to decrease further. Integrating tools like Roundtrip.ai into delivery processes will allow businesses to access optimized delivery solutions, making affordable shipping a reality for many industries.

With the right combination of technology, freight options, and packaging strategies, businesses can effectively control shipping costs for large packages, making their services more competitive and accessible.